Akshara Foundation has just completed five eventful
years in Bangalore. During this period it has helped
provide primary education to over a lakh of children
in and around Bangalore city.
The fifth anniversary celebration was a fit occasion
to reflect on Akshara’s programmes and celebrate
the efforts of its staff and local volunteers.

The exhibition was titled “ Five Smiling Years
of Akshara “ and it showcased the efforts
of the organization and its impact on children.
It highlighted the various programme interventions
and their impact over the five years. The Hon. Minister
for Primary and Secondary Education, Government
of Karnataka, Shri R. Ramalinga Reddy, inaugurated
the exhibition.

Shri Reddy lauded the efforts of Akshara Foundation
in partnering with the Government to achieve complete
literacy in the State. The State Government, he
mentioned, had plans to open 218 schools this year.
It also planned to open 58 residential schools in
places where the literacy rate is poor among women.
Shri Reddy requested Dr. Rajkumar Khatri, State
Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, who was
present, to actively support Akshara to continue
their education programmes in Bangalore and other
Districts of Karnataka.

Smt. Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Akshara Foundation
stated in her address that over the years, Akshara
has emerged as a community-driven force, involving
multiple stake-holders in the process of achieving
universal elementary education. Recognizing Akshara’s
efforts in this area, she mentioned that there were
plans to bring more children under the umbrella
of the Foundation’s activities.

The Fifth Anniversary Celebrations included an enjoyable
two-hour cultural programme presented by Akshara
volunteers. It brought to light the varied talents
of our volunteers in the field of music, drama and
dance and compering!

The prize distribution ceremony on the occasion
recognized the efforts of the team who were primarily
responsible for the success of the programmes on
ground. Over 40 members were felicitated for good
performance by Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Smt. Rohini
Nilekani, Sri Ashok Kamath(Managing Trustee) and
Col. Murthy Rajan (Chief Operations Officer) .

The programme concluded on an upbeat note. It was
truly a memorable day for the Akshara Family!